Carton Tray

ABSTRACT

Several embodiments of cartons are provided. In one embodiment, a blank forms a carton with a substantially continuous ledge along the exterior rim of the carton. In other embodiments, a blank forms a carton with two adjacent compartments that are coverable with a hinged, attached lid. The lid is separable from the lower compartment portion of the carton by detachment along a tear strip. In still other embodiments, the blank forms two adjacent compartments that are not covered by an attached lid. The orientation of at least some of the carton embodiments allow orientation of the carton formed in a number of configurations, such as resting on a side panel.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No.61/216,191, which was filed on May 14, 2009.

INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE

U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/216,191, which was filed on May 14,2009, is hereby incorporated by reference for all purposes as ifpresented herein in its entirety.

BACKGROUND

Cartons are useful for holding and transporting articles. In order tofacilitate dispensing of articles from a carton, it can be beneficial toform a dispenser with a portion of the carton.

SUMMARY

The present disclosure generally relates to blanks, packages, or cartonsfor holding and/or dispensing products, such as food items, cans, rolls,bottles, and various other articles including pre-packaged items.

In one aspect, the present invention includes a blank that includes afirst ledge portion foldably connected along a first fold line to afirst side panel, which in turn is foldably connected along a secondfold line to a bottom panel, which in turn is foldably connected along athird fold line to a second side panel, and the second side panelfoldably connected along a fourth fold line to a second ledge portion. Afirst end flap is connected to the first side panel at a first end ofthe blank, a second end flap is connected at the first end of the bottompanel, and a third end flap is connected to the second side panel at thefirst end of the blank. A fourth end flap is connected to the first sidepanel at a second end of the blank, a fifth end flap is connected at thesecond end of the bottom panel, and a sixth end flap is connected to thesecond side panel at the second end of the blank. A third ledge portionis connected to the second end flap and a fourth ledge portion isconnected to the fifth end flap.

Optionally, the first end flap can cover less than the entirety of aperiphery of the first side panel at the first end, with a seventh endflap connected to the first side panel at the first end. Optionally, thethird end flap can cover less than the entirety of a periphery of thesecond side panel at the first end, and, an eighth end flap can beconnected to the second side panel at the first end. Optionally, thefourth end flap can cover less than the entirety of a periphery of thefirst side panel at the second end, and, a ninth end flap can beconnected to the first side panel at the second end. Optionally, thesixth end flap can cover less than the entirety of a periphery of thesecond side panel at the second end, with a tenth end flap connected tothe second side panel at the second end. Generally, the second end flap,the fifth end flap, and the bottom panel are arranged in a substantiallyhourglass shape. Also, generally, the first ledge portion, the secondledge portion, the third ledge portion, and the fourth ledge portion arefoldable to form a substantially continuous lip or circumferentiallyextending ledge around a periphery of a carton formed from the blank.

In another aspect, the invention includes a package that comprises atleast one article and a carton receiving the at least one article. Thecarton is formed from a blank that includes a first ledge portionfoldably connected along a first fold line to a first side panel, whichin turn is foldably connected along a second fold line to a bottompanel, which in turn is foldably connected along a third fold line to asecond side panel, and the second side panel foldably connected along afourth fold line to a second ledge portion. A first end flap isconnected to the first side panel at a first end of the blank, a secondend flap is connected at the first end of the bottom panel, and a thirdend flap is connected to the second side panel at the first end of theblank. A fourth end flap is connected to the first side panel at asecond end of the blank, a fifth end flap is connected at the second endof the bottom panel, and a sixth end flap is connected to the secondside panel at the second end of the blank. A third ledge portion isconnected to the second end flap and a fourth ledge portion is connectedto the fifth end flap.

Optionally, the first end flap can cover less than the entirety of aperiphery of the first side panel at the first end, with a seventh endflap connected to the first side panel at the first end. Optionally, thethird end flap can cover less than the entirety of a periphery of thesecond side panel at the first end, and, an eighth end flap can beconnected to the second side panel at the first end. Optionally, thefourth end flap can cover less than the entirety of a periphery of thefirst side panel at the second end, and, a ninth end flap can beconnected to the first side panel at the second end. Optionally, thesixth end flap can cover less than the entirety of a periphery of thesecond side panel at the second end, with a tenth end flap connected tothe second side panel at the second end. Generally, the second end flap,the fifth end flap, and the bottom panel are arranged in a substantiallyhourglass shape. Also, generally, the first ledge portion, the secondledge portion, the third ledge portion, and the fourth ledge portion arefoldable to form a substantially continuous lip or circumferentiallyextending ledge around a periphery of a carton formed from the blank.

In another embodiment, the invention includes a carton including a firstcompartment connected to a second compartment along a first fold line.The first compartment and the second compartment are capable of beingcovered by a lid. The lid is capable of being hinged between and openposition and a closed position, with the first compartment and thesecond compartment being accessible when the lid is in the openposition. The lid can include a tear strip that is removable from thecarton to allow the lid to move from the closed position to the openposition.

In another embodiment, the invention includes a package including atleast one article and a carton, the carton including a first compartmentconnected to a second compartment along a first fold line. The firstcompartment and the second compartment are capable of being covered by alid, and the lid is capable of being hinged between and open positionand a closed position, with the first compartment and the secondcompartment being accessible when the lid is in the open position. Thelid can include a tear strip that is removable from the carton to allowthe lid to move from the closed position to the open position.

Those skilled in the art will appreciate the above stated advantages andother advantages and benefits of various additional embodiments uponreading the following detailed description of the exemplary embodimentswith reference to the below listed drawing figures.

According to common practice, the various features of the drawingsdiscussed below are not necessarily drawn to scale. Dimensions ofvarious features and elements in the drawings may be expanded or reducedto illustrate more clearly the embodiments of the disclosure.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a plan view of a carton blank according to a first embodiment.

FIG. 2 shows a perspective view of a carton formed from the blank ofFIG. 1.

FIG. 3 shows a plan view of a carton blank according to a secondembodiment.

FIG. 4 shows a perspective view of a carton formed from the blank ofFIG. 3.

FIG. 5 shows a plan view of a carton blank according to a thirdembodiment.

FIG. 6A shows a perspective view of a carton formed from the blank ofFIG. 5.

FIG. 6B shows a perspective view of the carton of FIG. 6A with the lidopened.

FIG. 7 shows a plan view of a carton blank according to a fourthembodiment.

FIG. 8A shows a bottom view of a carton formed from the blank of FIG. 7.

FIG. 8B shows a top view of the carton of FIG. 8A.

Corresponding parts are designated by corresponding reference figuresthroughout the drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

This disclosure generally relates to cartons suitable for storing anddispensing contents or articles, methods of erecting such cartons from acarton blank, methods of dispensing from the formed carton, and a cartonfor and methods for slanting or tilting product within the carton towarda rear portion of the carton. For purposes of illustration and notlimitation, the detailed description below describes several embodimentsof the invention within the context of a carton with an opener fordispensing contents or articles from the carton. Further, referencesherein to “end,” “side,” “front,” “rear,” “bottom,” and “top” generallyrefer to orientations and positions of elements when the carton iserected and/or disposed in an upright orientation. The terms “upper,”“lower,” “vertical,” “horizontal,” and “oblique,” and any variationsthereof, generally refer to the location and/or orientation of anelement or line with respect to a drawing figure in which it appears.Reference characters shared among the various embodiments disclosedherein include similar parts.

The present invention relates to a tray, carton, or package for items.The present embodiments are intended to replace, for example,thermoform/plastic trays, such as those that hold a variety of commonproducts (such as, cookies, crackers, lunch meats, bread products,etc.), with sustainable trays and tray packages that utilize paperboard.Generally, the present embodiments provide, cradle hammock shaped orotherwise similarly shaped compartments, which, among other benefits,provide strength for shipping and product protection. The presentembodiments provide compartmental, somewhat curved paperboard tray(s),which could be formed in any desired shape, size, or orientation toaccommodate any number of items. Generally, the presenttray(s)/carton(s) are filled with items, such as cookies, crackers,lunch meats, bread products, etc. for example, to form a package.Generally, the items are contained in the package for shipping to apoint-of-sale vendor (e.g., grocery store). Optionally, thepoint-of-sale vendor can convert the package to a display unit fordisplaying items to consumers.

FIG. 1 illustrates an outer facing surface 1 of a carton blank 5 fromwhich a carton 1000 (FIG. 2) can be erected. The blank 5 (FIG. 1)includes a first end 4, second end 6, and a first panel 10, a secondpanel 20, a third panel 30, a fourth panel 40, and a fifth panel 50.Panel 10 is foldably connected along fold line 11 to panel 20, panel 20is foldably connected along fold line 21 to panel 30, panel 30 isfoldably connected along fold line 31 to panel 40, and panel 40 isfoldably connected along fold line 41 to panel 50. Panel 10 and panel 50include ledge extensions that extend toward a periphery 8 of the blank 5at lengths greater than the lengths of panels 20, 30, and 40. Panel 10includes ledge portion 12 at first end 4 and ledge portion 14 at secondend 6. Panel 50 similarly includes ledge portion 52 at first end 4 andledge portion 54 at second end 6.

Blank 5 includes end flaps, including end flaps 22, 26, 32, 42, and 46,at the first end 4 and 24, 28, 34, 44, and 48 at the second end 6. Endflap 22 is foldably connected along a fold line 23 at the first end 4 ofpanel 20. End flap 24 is foldably connected along a fold line 25 at thesecond end 6 of panel 20. End flap 26 is foldably connected along foldline 27 at the first end 4 of panel 20. End flap 28 is foldablyconnected along fold line 29 at the second end 6 of panel 20. End flap32 is foldably connected along fold line 33 at the first end 4 of panel30. End flap 34 is foldably connected along fold line 35 at second end 6to panel 30. End flap 46 is foldably connected along fold line 47 at thefirst end 4 of panel 40. End flap 42 is foldably connected along foldline 43 to panel 40. End flap 48 is foldably connected along fold line49 at the second end 6 of panel 40. End flap 44 is foldably connectedalong fold line 45 at the second end 6 of panel 40. A first end ledgepanel 36 is connected to end flap 32 along fold lines 37, 57, and 67,while a second end ledge panel 38 is connected to end flap 34 along foldlines 39, 59, and 69.

As shown in FIG. 1, fold lines 23, 25, 27, 29, 33, 35, 43, 45, 47, and49 generally extend transverse to fold lines 11, 21, 31, and 41. One ormore of fold lines 23, 27, 33, 43, 47 also could be replaced by a singlefold line, such as indicated at 53, while one or more of fold lines 25,29, 35, 45, 49 could be replaced by a single fold line, such asindicated at 55. End flaps 22, 24, 26, 28, 32, 34, 42, 44, 46, and 48generally extend in a direction away from respective fold lines 23, 25,27, 29, 33, 35, 43, 45, 47, and 49 toward the periphery 8 of the blank5. Further, in view of “panels,” the surfaces of carton 1000 (FIG. 2)formed from the blank 5 can be referred to as “walls” or “sides.”Further still, the panels 20, 30, 40 can be referred to as the surfacesthey form when constructed in the form of a carton, such as the cartonshown in FIG. 2. For example, panel 30 can be referenced as bottompanel, panel 20 can be referenced as a first side panel, and panel 40can be referenced as a second side panel. Additionally, end flaps 22,26, 32, 42, 46 (FIG. 1) can be closed to form a first carton end, andend flaps 24, 28, 34, 44, 48 can be closed to form a second carton endas indicated in FIG. 2.

FIG. 2 shows a perspective view of a carton 1000 formed from the blankof FIG. 1. The blank 5 may be folded from the configuration shown inFIG. 1 to the configuration shown in FIG. 2 by folding the blank alongfold lines 11, 21, 31, and 41. During a folding sequence, the end flapsare folded toward the interior, with either the end flaps at the firstend 4 or the end flaps at the second end 6 folded inward first. At thefirst end 4, end flaps 22, 26, 42, and 46 can be folded inwardly alongfold lines 23, 27, 43, and 47, respectively, so as to extendsubstantially perpendicular to panel 30. Next, end flap 32 is foldedinwardly along fold line 33 so as to extend substantially perpendicularto panel 30. At end 6, end flaps 24, 28, 44, and 48 are folded inwardlyalong fold lines 25, 29, 45, and 49, respectively, so as to extendsubstantially perpendicular to panel 30. Next, end flap 34 is foldedinwardly along fold line 35 so as to extend substantially perpendicularto panel 30. Generally, end flaps 22, 26, 32, 42, and 46 are adhered,such as by an adhesive such as glue, to form a first end 1004 (FIG. 2)of carton 1000, and end flaps 24, 28, 34, 44, and 48 (FIG. 1) areadhered, such as by an adhesive such as glue, to form a second end 1006(FIG. 2) of carton 1000.

To form the circumferential ledge or lip 1060 that extends along andaround an upper portion of the carton 1000 as shown in FIG. 2, once theend flaps are folded inwardly, panel 10 and panel 50 can be foldedoutwardly along respective fold lines 11 and 41, and ledges portions 36and 38 are folded along respective fold lines 37, 57, 67 and 39, 59, 69.In this manner, the ledges portions 36 and 38 and panels 10 and 50generally are adhered, such as by an adhesive such as glue, to form asubstantially continuous ledge or lip 1060 surrounding the upperperiphery of the carton 1000 of FIG. 2.

FIG. 3 shows a plan view of a carton blank according to a secondembodiment, illustrating an outer facing surface 101 of a carton blank105 from which a carton 1100 (FIG. 3) can be erected. The blank 105includes first and second sides 104/106, an adhesive panel 107, a firstpanel 110, a second panel 120, a third panel 130, a fourth 180. Panel180 is separated by a tear strip 190 into first panel portion 184 andsecond panel portion 194. The tear strip 190 includes a tear strip panel182 defined between tear lines 181 and 183, includes a tear stripstarting flap 188 (which is shown with a bulbous shape to allow ease ofgripping of the tear strip 190), and includes an opening feature, fingerflap, or opening 186 defined along tear line 181 between lines ofdisruption 185 and 187.

Adhesive flap 107 is foldably connected along fold line 109 to panel110, panel 110 is foldably connected along fold line 111 to panel 120,panel 120 is foldably connected along fold line 121 to panel 130, panel130 is foldably connected along fold line 131 to panel 140, panel 140 isfoldably connected along fold line 141 to panel 150, panel 150 isfoldably connected along fold line 151 to panel 160, panel 160 isfoldably connected along fold line 161 to panel 170, and panel 170 isfoldably connected along fold line 171 to panel 180.

Blank 105 includes end flaps disposed along a first end 104 and alongthe second side 106 of the blank. End flap 112 is connected along a foldline 113 along the first side 104 of the blank to panel 110, and endflap 114 is foldably connected along a fold line 115 along the secondside 106 of the blank to panel 110. End flap 122 is foldably connectedalong a fold line 123 to panel 120, while end flap portion 126 isconnected to end flap 122 along fold line 127. End flap 124 is foldablyconnected along a fold line 125 along the second side 106 of the blankto panel 120. An end flap portion 128 is connected to end flap 124 alongfold line 129. End flap 132 is foldably connected along a fold line 133along the first side 104 of the blank to panel 130. End flap 134 isfoldably connected along fold line 135 along the second side 106 of theblank to panel 130.

End flap 142 is foldably connected along fold line 143 to panel 140. Endflaps 132 and 142 are connected along fold line 137. End flap 144 isfoldably connected along fold line 145 along the second side 106 of theblank to panel 140, and end flaps 134 and 144 are connected along foldline 139. End flap 152 is foldably connected along a fold line 153 topanel 150. An end flap portion 156 is connected to end flap 152 alongfold line 157. End flap 152 also is shown in FIG. 3 with a glue locator166 defined by a line 167. End flap 154 is foldably connected along afold line 155 along the second side 106 of the blank to panel 150. Anend flap portion 158 is connected to end flap 154 along fold line 159.End flap 154 also is shown in FIG. 3 with a glue locator 168 defined bya line 169. End flap 162 is foldably connected along a fold line 163along the first side 104 of the blank to panel 160. End flap 164 isfoldably connected along fold line 165 along second side 106 to theblank to panel 160. End flap 172 is foldably connected along fold line173 to panel 170. An end flap portion 176 is foldably connected alongfold line 177 to end flap 172. End flap 174 is foldably connected alongfold line 175 along the second side 106 of the blank to panel 170. Anend flap portion 178 is foldably connected along fold line 179 to endflap 174.

Fold lines 113, 115, 123, 125, 133, 135, 143, 145, 153, 155, 163, 165,173, and 175 are generally transverse to fold lines 109, 111, 121, 131,141, 151, 161, and 171. One or more of fold lines 113, 123, 133, 143,153, 163, 173 could be replaced by a single fold line, such as indicatedat 193. One or more of fold lines 115, 125, 135, 145, 155, 165, 175could be replaced by a single fold line, such as indicated at 195. Endflaps 112, 114, 122, 124, 132, 134, 142, 144, 152, 154, 162, 164, 172,and 174 generally extend in a direction away from respective fold lines113, 115, 123, 125, 133, 135, 143, 145, 153, 155, 163, 165, 173, 175toward periphery 108 of blank 105. Further, the panels forming thesurfaces of a carton 1100 (FIG. 4) formed from the blank 105 can bereferred to as “walls” or “sides.” Further still, the panels 110, 120,130, 140, 150, 160, 170, 180 can be referred to as the surfaces theyforms when constructed in the form of a carton, such as the carton shownin FIG. 4. For example, panel 110 can be referenced as first side panel,panel 120 can be referenced as first bottom panel, panel 130 can bereferenced as second side panel, panel 140 can be referenced as thirdside panel, panel 150 can be referenced as second bottom panel, panel160 can be referenced as fourth side panel, panel 170 can be referencedas lid panel, and panel 180 can be referenced as lip panel.Additionally, end flaps 112, 122, 132, 142, 152, 162, 172 (FIG. 3) canbe closed to form a first carton end 1104 (FIG. 4), and end flaps 114,124, 134, 144, 154, 164, 174 (FIG. 3) can be closed to form a secondcarton end 1106 (FIG. 4).

FIG. 4 shows a perspective view of a carton 1100 formed from the blankof FIG. 3. The blank 105 may be folded from the configuration shown inFIG. 3 to the configuration shown in FIG. 4 by folding the blank alongfold lines 111, 121, 131, 141, 151, 161, and 171. During a foldingsequence, the end flaps are folded toward the interior, with either theend flaps along the first side 104 or the end flaps along the secondside 106 folded inwardly first. End flaps 112, 122, 132, 142, 152, 162,and 172 are folded inwardly along fold lines 113, 123, 133, 143, 153,163, and 173, respectively, so as to extend substantially perpendicularto panel 120. Next, end flaps 122 and 152 are folded inwardly alongrespective fold lines 123 and 153 so as to extend substantiallyperpendicular to panel 120. Along side 106, end flaps 114, 124, 134,144, 154, 164, and 174 are folded inwardly along fold lines 115, 125,135, 145, 155, 165, and 175, respectively, so as to extend substantiallyperpendicular to panel 120, after which end flaps 124 and 154 are foldedinwardly along respective fold lines 125 and 155 so as to extendsubstantially perpendicular to panel 120. Generally, end flaps 112, 122,132, 142, 152, 162, 172 are adhered, such as by an adhesive such asglue, to form a first end 1104 of carton 1100, and end flaps 114, 124,134, 144, 154, 164, 174 are adhered, such as by an adhesive such asglue, to form a second end 1106 of carton 1100. As shown in FIG. 7, thelip panel 194 of panel 180 can be hinged upwardly to dispose the lidportion in an open configuration. First, the tear panel 182 of tearstrip 190 is detached along tear lines 181 and 183 and the panel 170 ishinged upward along fold line 161 to expose product P in the interior ofthe carton 1100. Products P then can be dispensed from the carton 1100.

FIG. 5 shows a plan view of a carton blank according to a thirdembodiment. The blank 205 of FIG. 5 is similar to the blank 105 of FIG.3. One difference between blanks 105 and 205 is the inclusion of twoadditional panels (220 and 270) that allow the compartments of thecarton 1200 formed from blank 205 to have a more hexagonal shape asdesired than the carton 1100 formed from blank 105. This hexagonaldesign will more easily allow the carton 1200 formed from the blank 205to be disposed in a desired orientation, such as on a side to allowstacking or alignment on a display shelf, for example. Anotherdifference between blank 105 and blank 205 is the shape of the end flaps232, 234, 262, and 264, which can have more of an hourglass or roundedshape in blank 205 to compensate for the additional panels 220 and 270.Other similarities and differences can be discovered by detailedcomparison of blanks 105 and 205.

FIG. 6A shows a carton formed from the blank of FIG. 5. FIG. 6B showsthe carton of FIG. 6A with the lid opened. The carton 1200 of FIGS. 6Aand 6B are similar to the carton 1100 shown in FIG. 4. Othersimilarities and differences can be discovered by detailed comparison ofcartons 1100 and 1200.

FIG. 7 shows a plan view of a carton blank 405 according to a fourthembodiment. FIG. 7 illustrates an outer facing surface 401 of the cartonblank 405 from which a carton 1400 (FIGS. 8A and 8B) can be erected. Theblank 405 includes a first side 404, a second side 406, a first ledgepanel 407, a first panel 410, a second panel 420, a third panel 430, afourth panel 440, a fifth panel 450, a sixth panel 460, and a secondledge panel 470. Panel 407 is foldably connected along fold line 409 topanel 410, panel 410 is foldably connected along fold line 411 to panel420, panel 420 is foldably connected along fold line 421 to panel 430,panel 430 is foldably connected along fold line 431 to panel 440, panel440 is foldably connected along fold line 441 to panel 450, panel 450 isfoldably connected along fold line 451 to panel 460, panel 460 isfoldably connected along fold line 461 to panel 470.

Blank 405 further includes end flaps, including end flaps 412, 414, 416,418, 422, 424, 432, 434, 436, 438, 442, 444, 446, 448, 452, 454, 462,464, 466, 468. End flap 412 is foldably connected along a fold line 413along the first side 404 of the carton, and end flap 416 is foldablyconnected along a fold line 417 to panel 410. Similarly, end flap 414 isfoldably connected to panel 410 along a fold line 415 along the secondside 406 of the blank, while end flap 418 is foldably connected along afold line 419 to panel 410. End flap 422 is foldably connected along afold line 423 to panel 420, and end flap 424 is foldably connected topanel 420 along a fold line 425 along the second side 406 of the blank405. End flap 432 is foldably connected along fold line 433 along thefirst side 404 of the blank 405 to panel 430, with end flap 436 foldablyconnected along fold line 437 to panel 430. End flap 434 is foldablyconnected along fold line 435 at the second side 406 of panel 430, andend flap 438 is foldably connected along fold line 439 along the secondside 406 of the blank to panel 430. End flap 442 is foldably connectedalong fold line 443 along the first side 404 of the blank to panel 440,with end flap 446 foldably connected along fold line 447 to panel 440.Additionally, end flaps 444 and 448 are foldably connected to panel 440along fold lines 445 and 449 along the second side 406 of the blank. Endflaps 432 and 442 are connected along a fold line 427, and end flaps 434and 444 are connected along a fold line 429. End flap 452 is foldablyconnected to panel 450 along a fold line 453 extending along the firstside 404 of the blank, and end flap 454 is foldably connected along afold line 455 extending along the second side 406 of the blank to panel450. End flaps 462 and 466 are foldably connected to panel 460 alongfold lines 463 and 467 and extending along the first side 404 of theblank. End flaps and 466 are foldably connected to panel 460 along foldlines 465 and 469 along the second side 406 of the blank. End flap 422includes an extended flap portion 426, end flap 424 includes an extendedflap portion 428, end flap 452 includes an extended flap portion 456,and end flap 454 includes an extended flap portion 458.

Fold lines 413, 415, 417, 419, 423, 425, 433, 435; 437, 439, 443, 445,447, 449, 453, 455, 463, 465, 467, 469 are generally transverse to foldlines 409, 411, 421, 431, 441, 451, and 461. One or more of fold lines413, 417, 423, 433, 437, 443, 447, 453, 463, 467 could be replaced by asingle fold line, such as indicated at 473. One or more of fold lines415, 419, 425, 435, 439, 445, 449, 454, 465, 469 could be replaced by asingle fold line, such as indicated at 475. End flaps 412, 414, 416,418, 422, 424, 432, 434, 436, 438, 442, 444, 446, 448, 452, 454, 462,464, 466, 468 generally extend in a direction away from respective foldlines 413, 415, 417, 419, 423, 425, 433, 435, 437, 439, 443, 445, 447,449, 453, 455, 463, 465, 467, 469 toward periphery 408 of blank 405.Further, the panels defining the surfaces of carton 1400 formed from theblank 405 also can be referred to as “walls” or “sides.” Further still,the panels 410, 420, 430, 440, 450, 460 can be referred to as thesurfaces they forms when constructed in the form of a carton, such asthe carton shown in FIGS. 8A and 8B. For example, panel 420 can bereferenced as first bottom panel, panel 410 can be referenced as firstside panel, panel 430 can be referenced as second side panel, panel 440can be referenced as third side panel, panel 450 can be referenced assecond bottom panel, and panel 460 can be referenced as fourth sidepanel. Additionally, end flaps 412, 416, 422, 432, 436, 442, 446, 452,462, and 466 can be closed to form a first carton end 1404, and endflaps 414, 418, 424, 434, 438, 444, 448, 454, 464, and 468 can be closedto form a second carton end 1406.

FIG. 8A shows a bottom view of a carton formed from the blank of FIG. 7.FIG. 8B shows a top view of the carton of FIG. 8A. The blank 405 may befolded from the configuration shown in FIG. 7 to the configurationsshown in FIGS. 8A and 8B by folding the blank 405 along fold lines 409,411, 421, 431, 441, 451, and 461. During a folding sequence, the endflaps are folded toward the interior, with either the end flaps at thefirst end 404 or the end flaps at the second end 406 folded inwardfirst. At end 404, end flaps 412, 416, 422, 432, 436, 442, 446, 452,462, 466 are folded inwardly along fold lines 413, 417, 423, 433, 437,443, 447, 453, 463, 467, respectively, so as to extend substantiallyperpendicular to panel 420. Next, end flaps 422 and 454 are foldedinwardly along respective fold lines 423 and 453 so as to extendsubstantially perpendicular to panel 420. At end 406, end flaps 414,418, 424, 434, 438, 444, 448, 454, 464, 468 are folded inwardly alongfold lines 415, 419, 425, 435, 439, 445, 449, 454, 465, 469,respectively, so as to extend substantially perpendicular to panel 420.Next, end flaps 424 and 454 are folded inwardly along respective foldlines 425 and 455 so as to extend substantially perpendicular to panel420. Generally, end flaps 412, 416, 422, 432, 436, 442, 446, 452, 462,and 466 are adhered, such as by an adhesive such as glue, to form afirst end 1404 of carton 1400, and end flaps 414, 418, 424, 434, 438,444, 448, 454, 464, and 468 are adhered, such as by an adhesive such asglue, to form a second end 1406 of carton 1400.

Panels 407 and 470 are folded inwardly to form a ledge or lip over eachcompartment that extends inwardly along and around an upper portion ofthe carton 1400 as shown in FIG. 8B.

The flaps and panels detailed herein generally are secured to form apackage, or carton. It is understood that forming the carton, packingthe carton, and/or loading the carton and methods that differ than theforming, packing, and/or loading configurations discussed herein arewithin the scope of the disclosure.

In general, the blank may be constructed from paperboard having acaliper of at least about 13, for example, so that it is heavier andmore rigid than ordinary paper. The blank can also be constructed ofother materials, such as cardboard, or any other material havingproperties suitable for enabling the carton to function at leastgenerally as described above.

The blank can be coated with, for example, a clay coating. The claycoating may then be printed over with product, advertising, and otherinformation or images. The blanks may then be coated with a varnish toprotect information printed on the blanks. The blanks may also be coatedwith, for example, a moisture barrier layer, on either or both sides ofthe blanks. The blanks can also be laminated to or coated with one ormore sheet-like materials at selected panels or panel sections.

The above embodiments may be described as having one or panels adheredtogether by glue. The term “glue” is intended to encompass all manner ofadhesives commonly used to secure paperboard or carton panels in place,and the adhesive material can be replaced by, or supplemented with anysuitable fastening devices.

The term “line” as used herein includes not only straight lines, butalso other types of lines such as curved, curvilinear or angularlydisplaced lines. In accordance with the exemplary embodiments, a foldline can be any substantially linear, although not necessarily straight,form of weakening that facilitates folding therealong. Morespecifically, but not for the purpose of narrowing the scope of thepresent disclosure, fold lines include: a score line, such as linesformed with a blunt scoring knife, or the like, which creates a crushedor depressed portion in the material along the desired line of weakness;a cut that extends partially into a material along the desired line ofweakness, and/or a series of cuts that extend partially into and/orcompletely through the material along the desired line of weakness; andvarious combinations of these features. In situations where cutting isused to create a fold line, typically the cutting will not be overlyextensive in a manner that might cause a reasonable user to incorrectlyconsider the fold line to be a tear line.

As an example, a tear line can include: a slit that extends partiallyinto the material along the desired line of weakness, and/or a series ofspaced apart slits that extend partially into and/or completely throughthe material along the desired line of weakness, or various combinationsof these features. As a more specific example, one type tear line is inthe form of a series of spaced apart slits that extend completelythrough the material, with adjacent slits being spaced apart slightly sothat a nick (e.g., a small somewhat bridging-like piece of the material)is defined between the adjacent slits for typically temporarilyconnecting the material across the tear line. The nicks are brokenduring tearing along the tear line. The nicks typically are a relativelysmall percentage of the tear line, and alternatively the nicks can beomitted from or torn in a tear line such that the tear line is acontinuous cut line. That is, it is within the scope of the presentdisclosure for each of the tear lines to be replaced with a continuousslit, cut line, or the like. For example, a cut line can be a continuousslit or could be wider than a slit without departing from the presentdisclosure.

Any dimensions shown in the figures are exemplary only and can beexpanded or contracted, such as to accommodate items of different sizes,configurations, or dimensions. These dimensions should not be construedas limiting in any manner.

The foregoing description of the disclosure illustrates and describesvarious embodiments. As various changes could be made in the aboveconstruction without departing from the scope of the disclosure, it isintended that all matter contained in the above description or shown inthe accompanying drawings shall be interpreted as illustrative and notin a limiting sense. Furthermore, the scope of the present disclosurecovers various modifications, combinations, alterations, etc., of theabove-described embodiments that are within the scope of the claims.Additionally, the disclosure shows and describes only selectedembodiments of the disclosure, but the disclosure is capable of use invarious other combinations, modifications, and environments and iscapable of changes or modifications within the scope of the inventiveconcept as expressed herein, commensurate with the above teachings,and/or within the skill or knowledge of the relevant art. Furthermore,certain features and characteristics of each embodiment may beselectively interchanged and applied to other illustrated andnon-illustrated embodiments of the disclosure.

1. A blank comprising: a first ledge portion foldably connected along afirst fold line to a first side panel, the first side panel foldablyconnected along a second fold line to a bottom panel, the bottom panelfoldably connected along a third fold line to a second side panel, thesecond side panel foldably connected along a fourth fold line to asecond ledge portion; a first end flap connected to the first side panelat a first end of the blank, a second end flap connected at the firstend of the bottom panel, a third end flap connected to the second sidepanel at the first end of the blank; a fourth end flap connected to thefirst side panel at a second end of the blank, a fifth end flapconnected at the second end of the bottom panel, a sixth end flapconnected to the second side panel at the second end of the blank; and,a third ledge portion connected to the second end flap and a fourthledge portion connected to the fifth end flap.
 2. The blank of claim 1wherein the first end flap covers less than the entirety of a peripheryof the first side panel at the first end.
 3. The blank of claim 2wherein a seventh end flap is connected to the first side panel at thefirst end.
 4. The blank of claim 1 wherein the third end flap coversless than the entirety of a periphery of the second side panel at thefirst end.
 5. The blank of claim 4 wherein an eighth end flap isconnected to the second side panel at the first end.
 6. The blank ofclaim 1 wherein the fourth end flap covers less than the entirety of aperiphery of the first side panel at the second end.
 7. The blank ofclaim 6 wherein a ninth end flap is connected to the first side panel atthe second end.
 8. The blank of claim 1 wherein the sixth end flapcovers less than the entirety of a periphery of the second side panel atthe second end.
 9. The blank of claim 8 wherein a tenth end flap isconnected to the second side panel at the second end.
 10. The blank ofclaim 1 wherein the second end flap, the fifth end flap, and the bottompanel are arranged in a substantially hourglass shape.
 11. The blank ofclaim 1, wherein the first ledge, the second ledge, the third ledge, andthe fourth ledge are foldable to form a substantially continuous lipextending along a periphery of a carton formed from the blank.
 12. Apackage comprising: at least one article and a carton receiving the atleast one article; the carton being formed from a blank, the blankcomprising: a first ledge portion foldably connected along a first foldline to a first side panel, the first side panel foldably connectedalong a second fold line to a bottom panel, the bottom panel foldablyconnected along a third fold line to a second side panel, the secondside panel foldably connected along a fourth fold line to a second ledgeportion; at least a first end flap connected to the first side panel ata first end of the blank, a second end flap connected at the first endof the bottom panel, at least a third end flap connected to the secondside panel at the first end of the blank; at least a fourth end flapconnected to the first side panel at a second end of the blank, a fifthend flap connected at the second end of the bottom panel, at least asixth end flap connected to the second side panel at the second end ofthe blank; and, a third ledge portion connected to the second end flapand a fourth ledge portion connected to the fifth end flap.
 13. Thepackage of claim 12 wherein the first ledge, the second ledge, the thirdledge, and the fourth ledge are foldable to form a substantiallycontinuous circumferential ledge extending along a periphery of a cartonformed from the blank.
 14. A carton comprising: a first compartmentconnected to a second compartment along a first fold line; the firstcompartment and the second compartment capable of being covered by alid; the lid being capable of being hinged between and open position anda closed position, with the first compartment and the second compartmentbeing accessible when the lid is in the open position; the lid includinga tear strip that is removable from the carton to allow the lid to movefrom the closed position to the open position.
 15. A package comprising:a carton; at least one article received within the carton; and, thecarton comprising: a first compartment connected to a second compartmentalong a first fold line; the first compartment and the secondcompartment capable of being covered by a lid; the lid being capable ofbeing hinged between and open position and a closed position, with thefirst compartment and the second compartment being accessible when thelid is in the open position; and, the lid including a tear strip that isremovable from the carton to allow the lid to move from the closedposition to the open position.